California Classroom Science

A’s and Chevron Launch “Science of the Game” Program to Bay Area Schools

Posted: Monday, June 4th, 2012

A’s outfielder Josh Reddick to launch program at Lincoln Elementary School in Richmond Tuesday

Young people in the Bay Area may wonder how Yoenis Céspedes can hit a baseball 462 feet. Now they’ll know. The Oakland Athletics and Chevron Tuesday will launch “Science of the Game,” a unique educational program that deepens interest and understanding among Bay Area youth by applying science to baseball.

A’s outfielder Josh Reddick and the team mascot Stomper will launch the program Tuesday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School in Richmond (29 Sixth Street). Reddick will pass out “Science of the Game” workbooks to more than 130 fifth and sixth graders and work through a few of the science problems with the students.

The ongoing program will include a series of activities including:

– The A’s will distribute more than 15,000 “Science of the Game” workbooks to Bay Area schools that utilize science formulas to answer questions related to various aspects of the game of baseball. Three workbooks targeting grades 1-2, 3-5, and 6-8 will also be available at www.oaklandathletics.com/science.
– Students who complete their workbooks and submit their answer sheet to the A’s will receive two ticket vouchers to an upcoming A’s home game (restrictions apply and are noted on ticket voucher).
– On Wednesday, May 23, Reddick will appear at the 2012 Oakland Unified School District K-12 Science Fair at the Chabot Space & Science Center from 6-7 p.m. on behalf of the “Science of the Game” program.
– During an A’s series in July, kids can visit the Chevron “Science of Baseball” STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Zone, where they will have a hands-on learning experience that highlights the science behind the fundamentals of baseball, such as why a thrown baseball can curve.

Chevron is partnering with the A’s to engage kids in science education in the Bay Area as part of its California Partnership, an initiative to invest in economic development and education in its home state. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $15 million to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs that have reached more than 500,000 students and 6,700 teachers in California. As global energy demand increases, so too does the need to hire a technical workforce, elevating the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.

“STEM education is critical to preparing the next generation for the increasing number of technical jobs in the modern economy,” said Linda Padon, general manager of corporate public policy at Chevron. “We will continue to partner with great organizations like the Oakland A’s to show Bay Area students that science is fun and will enable them to develop the innovations that shape our world.”

“Science of the Game,” “Mathletics” and “Home Run Readers” programs put into action the Oakland A’s commitment to supporting education in the Bay Area. The A’s organization, in conjunction with the A’s Community Fund, strives to make a positive impact in the Bay Area and Northern California. A’s players, coaches, and front office employees, together with fans and sponsors, are committed to meeting the social, cultural and educational demands in the community.

Tickets for A’s home games can be purchased at all usual ticket outlets, including the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Box Office, online at www.oaklandathletics.com/tickets, or over the phone by calling 877-493-BALL (2255). Season, group (including all fundraising options) and suite tickets can be purchased by calling 510-638-GoA’s (4627).

“These teachers are dedicated and accomplished individuals whose innovative teaching styles prepare our students for 21st century careers and college and develop them into the designers and inventors of the future,” Torlakson said. “They rank among the finest in their profession and also serve as wonderful mentors and role models.”

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